09 NOVEMBER 2021, Windhoek – Africa Netball Cup Champions, the SPAR Proteas kickstarted their defence campaign against neighbour Zimbabwe in match three on the first day of the tournament. South Africa came into this tournament fresh of the two teams as they had just arrived from their Ireland and Northern Ireland tour.
It was Zimbabwe though who were very quick off the mark as they took the game to South Africa as soon as the whistle went. This was always going to be a high intensity match between the two countries. Coach Dorette Badenhorst started the game with her strongest starting seven and her intentions were clear and solid from the onset.
Zimbabwe did not let this intimidate them as they led the match for the better part of the first quarter, however South Africa’s experience came to the fore and they took the lead and control of the game and ended the quarter leading 16-11.
The second quarter was no different as both teams kept going hard at each other however South Africa was not letting go of their lead. Badenhorst made a few changes in the second quarter with Khanyisa Chawane going off and replaced by Jamie van Wyk who earned her maiden cap for South Africa. The SPAR Proteas extended their lead by fourteen points and took the second quarter 35-21
Jessica du Plessis became the second player on the day to earn her first cap for the SPAR Proteas in the third quarter when she replaced Lefébre Rademan at Goal Attack. Refiloe Nketsa and Elmeré van der Berg completed the list of players who earned their first caps for South Africa. The defence combination of Maweni and Reyneke seems to have been working very well for South Africa as it restricted Zimbabwe to score only two goals in the championship quarter and only four in the last quarter. The SPAR Proteas ended the match as winners beating Zimbabwe 78 -27.
Quarter Score Breakdown:
Q1: SA 16-11 Zimbabwe
Q2: SA 35-21 Zimbabwe
Q3: SA 58-23 Zimbabwe
Q4: SA 78-27 Zimbabwe
South Africa’s Starting VII:
WD: Khanyisa Chawane; C: Izette Griesel; GK: Phumza Maweni; WA: Bongiwe Msomi (c); GA: Lefebré Rademan; GD: Monique Reyneke; GS: Ine-Mari Venter
Zimbabwe’s Starting VII:
GS: Sharon Bwanali; GK: Tatenda Dziva; GD: Felistus Kwangwa; WD: Claris Kwaramba; GA: Tafadzwa Matura; C: Nobukhosi Ndlovu; WA: Tinoza Paidomoyo
South Africa will play Kenya on Wednesday 10 November 2021 at 13:00 SA time. This match will be streamed live on Netball South Africa’s Facebook page.
Photo Credit: Dumisani Chauke
